DID YOU READ

Indiana Jones and the razor-sharp criticism

“The Adventures of Tintin” might not be setting the world on fire at the box office, but it should. In a lot of ways, the film is the best “Indiana Jones” sequel Steven Spielberg ever made. It’s great globetrotting fun, with dazzling action setpieces, iconic visuals, and charming supporting characters. The story isn’t going to set the world on fire, but “Tintin” is still a hell of a lot more entertaining than 2008’s “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull,” a movie so miscalculated it inspired a new variation on “jumping the shark.” Now the moment when franchises officially run out of good ideas, they “nuke the fridge.”

Perhaps that makes this new video review from Red Letter Media — the guys who brilliantly and savagely skewered the entire“Star Wars”prequel trilogy — inevitable, but it doesn’t make it any less welcome. As usual, angry old man, Pizza Rolls enthusiast, and wife-murder-joke-maker Mr. Plinkett’s criticism is silly, funny, and full of razor-sharp observations.

It’s also surprisingly even-handed. Plinkett (yes, I know he’s a character and not a real person, but whatever) avoids the easy targets — there’s hardly a mention of Mutt Williams swinging through the trees with monkeys a la Tarzan — and he even goes out of his way to praise the parts of “Crystal Skull” that work, including theperformance of Shia LaBeouf as Mutt and the underrated motorcycle and car chase scene around the campus of Marshall University. Plinkett doesn’t even make fun of the nuke the fridge moment; he actually praises that scene for its clever comedy and striking visuals. Rightfully so; I always thought the fridge nuke got a bum rap; it’s way better than any of the chases or suspense scenes in the film’s CGI-laden second half. But I guess crystal skulling the kingdom doesn’t have the same ring as nuking the fridge. Here’s the video, in two lengthy parts.

Editor’s Note: The embed function on the videos appear to be broken at this time. If they are still down, please visit Red Letter Media here to watch the videos in full.

The videos are silly, and there are still too many moments of misogynistic humor for my taste, but don’t let those fool you: the Red Letter Media guys are no dopes. Their examination of the Indiana Jones character is right on the money. As much as we love the old movies, the appeal of “Raiders of the Lost Ark” or “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom” isn’t the character of Indiana jones; it’s the idea of being Indiana Jones that’s appealing. And an older Indiana Jones who has trouble running down stairs and reconnects with an old flame isn’t as appealing a character for vicarious thrills. If they were going to introduce Indiana Jones’ son as a possible torchbearer for the future of the franchise, they might as well have just cast him as a full-on Indiana Jones Jr. Give him the whip, let him wear the hat, and call him anything but Mutt Williams. And, no, it doesn’t make it any better that Indiana was named after a dog.

That’s why “Tintin” is a better movie than “Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” even if it’s made with the kind of cartoonish CGI that marred “Indy IV.” Admittedly Tintin is not as cool a hero as Indy in his prime. He doesn’t have the whip or the hat, and he doesn’t have much of a love life. Like Indy, though, Tintin’s fearless, clever, and he has a job that seemingly doesn’t care if he spends weeks or months away from the office in search of adventure. Unlike Indy, he’s made entirely in a computer, which means he never has to worry about getting older. That may be the most appealling part of all.

What’s your favorite “Indiana Jones” sequel? Tell us in the comments below or write to us on Facebook and Twitter.

The Best Of The Last

The end is near. In mere days Portlandia wraps up its final season, and oh what a season it’s been. Lucky for you, you can watch the entire season right now right here and on the IFC app, including this free episode courtesy of Subaru.

But now, let’s take a moment to look back at some of the new classics Fred and Carrie have so thoughtfully bestowed upon us. (We’ll be looking back through tear-blurred eyes, but you do you.)

Couples Dinner

It’s not that being single sucks, it’s that you suck if you’re single.

Cancel it!

A sketch for anyone who has cancelled more appointments than they’ve kept. Which is everyone.

Forgotten America

This one’s a “Serial” killer…everything both right and wrong about true crime podcasts.

Wedding Planners

The only bad wedding is a boring wedding.

Disaster Hut

It’s only the end of the world if your doomsday kit doesn’t include rosé.

Your Portlandia Personality Test

Carrie and Fred understand that although we have so much in common, we’re each so beautifully unique and different. To help us navigate those differences, Portlandia has found an easy and honest way to embrace our special selves in the form of a progressive new traffic system: a specific lane for every kind of driver. It’s all in honor of the show’s 8th and final season, and it’s all presented by Subaru.

Ready to find out who you really are? Match your personality to a lane and hop on the expressway to self-understanding.

Lane 10: Trucks Piled With Junk

Your junk is falling out of your trunk. Shake a tail light, people — this lane is for you.

Lane 33: Twins

You’re like a Gemini, but waaaay more pedestrian. Maybe you and a friend just wear the same outfits a lot. Who cares, it’s just twinning enough to make you feel special.

Lane 27: Broken Windows

Bad luck follows you around and everyone knows it. Your proverbial seat is always damp from proverbial rain. Is this the universe telling you to swallow your pride? Yes.

Lane 69: Filthy Cars

You’re all about convenience. Getting your car washed while you drive is a no-brainer.

Lane 43: Newly Divorced Singles

It’s been a while since you’ve driven alone, and you don’t know the rules of the road anymore. What’s too fast? What’s too slow? Are you sending the right signals? Don’t worry, the breakdown lane is nearby if you need it.

Still can’t find a lane to match your personality? Check out all the videos here. And see the final season of Portlandia this spring on IFC.

Last-Minute Holiday Gift Guide

It’s the final countdown to Christmas and thanks to IFC’s movie marathon all Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, you can revel in classic ’80s films AND find inspiration for your last-minute gifts. Here are our recommendations, if you need a head start:

Musical Instrument

Great analog entertainment substitute when you refuse to give your kid the Nintendo Switch they’ve been drooling over.

Breakfast In Bed

Any significant other or child would appreciate these Uncle Buck-approved flapjacks. Just make sure you’re not stuck on clean up duty.

Cocktail Supplies

You’ll need them to get through the holidays.

Dance Lessons

So you can learn to shake-shake-shake (unless you know ghosts willing to lend a hand).

Comfy Clothes

With all the holiday meals, there may be some…embigenning.

Get even more great inspiration all Christmas Eve and Day on IFC, and remember…